Ron Davies - It Ain't Easy (1970)

[@briankeegan8089]

Wow. I never knew until now Bowie's version was a cover. This original version really kills, too! And now I am off to listen to Three Dog Night's version, too.

[@monoped8437]

don't forget to listen long john baldry's version too

[@JohhnyStingray]

Always wanted to hear the original after having listened to Bowie's version on Ziggy all these years...thanks for posting.

[@jonathaneste340]

Yeah -- me too!

[@EmilyKresl]

I was today years old when I realized Bowie covered this song (as opposed to writing it.) It's no big deal- I've only been obsessed with David since 1999 and thought I covered my bases and totally thought I knew everything you can possibly know about the man. 😅 Oh how I miss him so! Rest in paradise David

[@douglasbeachler3890]

Was playing my Ziggy cd and browsing thru the jacket. Lyrics for "It aint easy" were absent. Wonder why Bowie didn't give credit where credit was due

[@anthonyparkernearlifeexp]

I love the fact that Bowie didn't try to do it this way, but made it into something very different. This version is beautiful in it's own way though. I can see why he decided to cover it.

[@miketheshanmanmangan]

Remember trying to make this a hit on Top40 radio in New York in 1970.Had this as a Hitbound for two weeks as I really believed in this .Sadly never made Top 40 but what a great album cut on A & M Records

[@RonaldLindeboom]

Mike, did you used to own a light show company in California for a while long ago?

[@miketheshanmanmangan]

@@RonaldLindeboom long ago in a Galaxie, Maybe a Riviera Far away! Did Top 40 radio as well as lighting up the stage!

[@medblackstar7204]

I just found out today that Bowie's version of this song was a cover. This original version is fantastic as well :)

[@thorsluter7835]

Well, I'm three years later than you were...

[@DirkjeA]

I thought it was done by Long John Baldry and just found out this is the original so you have 4 years on me. And just to say, this original kicks ass. 😀

[@tonysammons3998]

Me too. Heard the original on radio 2 yesterday. Always thought Mr B wrote it. Just checked on album and the lyrics are not even on the sheet. You learn something every day

[@GOLDENFLYWARRIOR]

Actually it was Three Dog Night that came out with the Original. Ron Davies did write the lyrics and came out with his own LP about 2 months later that included the song and the LP had the same title too I believe. But John Baldry released a kick ass version on his LP. And look at who else is on the his LP version. Piano: Ian Armitt Unknown: Jimi Horowitz Vocals: John Baldry Female Vocals: Maggie Bell Drums: Mickie Waller Bass: Rikki Brown Producer: Rod Stewart Electric Guitar: Ron Wood Guitar: Sam Mitchell Writer: Ron Davies

[@redwarrior2424]

No contest. Ron Davies' is by far the best.

[@BagHound]

I miss music like this. Thanks for sharing

[@lastrada52]

Just another great singer-songwriter who should have had a major career. Great song, wonderful arrangement, covered by several other artists. Funky, rocky, acoustic, bluesy, Ron Davies had it all in this track and it was not cluttered. Found it years ago on a Warners' Lost Leaders compilation. In the days when Warners really had a fantastic A&R department. They actually took chances on some artists, didn't care that they didn't sell millions. One of them was Randy Newman. Thank God.

[@k.boletto1521]

you sound like a wise guy, who else do you think should have had a better career? Sixto Rodriguez first come to my mind.

[@lastrada52]

@@k.boletto1521 - Yeah, I am a wise guy. And you're point is what Boletto? You made a statement and said nothing. (By the way, you start a sentence with a capital Y in You -- we learn this in Kindergarten).

[@k.boletto1521]

@@lastrada52 @John LaStrada first of all, I can speak three languages and unlike you english is not my native so I can make mistakes, though not starting with a capital is not one, if you could get further education than kindergarden you would know that this is not a letter of application or something, its just a fuckin' youtube comment, if you wanna burn someone you gotta be smarter than that. second, I clearly said that "you have a good taste in music, can you share or suggest some other gems that never reached to their potential?" but I could not know that you're a jerk. so good luck in life.

[@lastrada52]

@@k.boletto1521 - For someone who thinks they're smart your post was quite defensive & dare I say...juvenile in nature. As far as "burn someone" -- you're doing a fine job of doing that to yourself every time you type out a sentence. If you wanted to know of some other artists who never reached their potential K. Boletto -- I would have gladly listed their names. But the way you wrote your post it sounded more like sarcasm than a serious inquiry. You have to remember when you write a post your true tone of voice doesn't always carry along with the words. A humorous remark can come across as an insult. I can't see you roll your eyes, or grin or make a gesture that you're not serious. This doesn't pertain to just me but anyone you write to. Yes, good luck in life to you as well. I have had good luck in life, thank you. At least maybe that last sentence in your post was sincere.

[@k.boletto1521]

@@lastrada52 I'm not gonna bother myself explaining something to a sore loser anymore, sorry about that. but I think it's just lovely how you sound like a boomer and a 13 year old boy at the same time, keep this spirit.

[@robertdodge5493]

I got into a small tussle with Ron, back in 1970, in Bellingham, Washington. We were all at a party and he was playin' an acoustic guitar, entertaining the troops. I suggested that he try out for a band my friends had that needed a guitarist. Ron took great umbrage. He didn't know that I didn't know who he was. It was kinda funny and kinda sad, both at the same time. Oh well, another brush with "greatness".

[@TheTonyLazarus]

+Robert Dodge That's fantastic! Did you ever manage to put him right ?

[@jimt2430]

Definitely sad for you. haha

[@johnknottenbelt2502]

Just brilliant ! Great guitarist !

[@DirkjeA]

There are 26 known covers, fyi, Long John Baldry, Dave Edmunds, Graham Bonnet, Three Dog Night , Bowie, and 20 more... and there is even a Finnish version (Ei oo helppoo) lol and I must say, this original rocks me of my socks

[@BagHound]

Love this! Great beat and great sound. Thank you for sharing 🌷

[@rossmatheson4303]

I had no idea until this minute Bowie had covered it. Thought it was his original!

[@jiffin1]

Ziggy Stardust ... it was added because the label thought he needed a single ... "Suffragette City" took care of that ...

[@dylancolt6665]

@@jiffin1 Can you imagine the label that thought that album needed a single? Jesus! Almost every other song on that album is a hit!

[@inhocvince2786]

David Robert Jones changed his name to Bowie because of the similarity to Ron Davies

[@rossmatheson4303]

@@inhocvince2786 surely he changed it because of Davie Jones from The Monkees?

[@inhocvince2786]

@@rossmatheson4303 Ah! My mistake!

[@trfesok]

Reminds me quite a bit of Little Feat, particularly their 1st album. Besides Bowie and Baldry, Three Dog Night also covered it in 1970 on their 3rd album. I put all four versions in my "TDN" playlist. Thanks for the upload!

[@braincurlH]

Great to hear this again

[@glennsw13]

By ron Davies of Port Orchard , washington...may he RIP ...wrote many beautiful tunes ...

[@josefkasperovich9924]

Sooo many great songs, and not just the A&M years. His sister's Tribute album of his songs by so many great artists is worth a listen. Though, I'd rather hear Ron do his songs than any cover. RIP Ronnie...

[@56bluegold]

Very good song ! Awesome ! This song is also on the movie called. "Go ask Alice".

[@roddles49]

The first version I ever heard and (subsequently) , once the song actually kicks in, the BEST !

[@daisyjane1070]

I heard this song playing in the background of the 1973 tv movie "Go Ask Alice" and was intrigued.

[@twoblueday]

I didn't know this song could still be found. I'm thrilled! Thanks for posting this up.

[@TheDenman47]

Song is as good as it gets....love it

[@octopus59]

I knew this great tune from Bowie's Ziggy Stardust album, and then I heard the awesome cover by Bettye Lavette, which is also on youtube. This is the first time I've heard the original, and it's BRILLIANT!

[@misisipimike]

damn, that is great!

[@crweber3408]

I know Bowie covered this, but I'm here because Mitch Ryder and Detroit covered it before Bowie did on their 1971 self-titled album. You can hear that on YT too, and that whole album is worth a listen. I was reminded of this song after listening to the great Lou Reed cover on Detroit - Rock and Roll. Covers are great, they show that even great musicians pay homage to a great song.

[@susandemaiosmutny7298]

Dave Edmunds covered on his 1972 Rockpile record. It's excellent.

[@fjmacleod]

The original and the best.

[@grahamtaylor8912]

This is great....

[@erwinmotorbike]

Wow David's version is spot on I'm gonna buy this

[@GOLDENFLYWARRIOR]

You might want to also purchase the LP by John Baldry and enjoy his version that kicks ass. Piano: Ian Armitt Unknown: Jimi Horowitz Vocals: John Baldry Female Vocals: Maggie Bell Drums: Mickie Waller Bass: Rikki Brown Producer: Rod Stewart Electric Guitar: Ron Wood Guitar: Sam Mitchell Writer: Ron Davies

[@charrmmee]

fabulous

[@ssjones350]

I just learned about this original from a Bob Leftsetz blog, terrific!

[@mrdidactic]

This guy wrote some really great R&B songs...Gino Washington recorded two of his songs on Ric-Tic in 1964...Gino Is A Coward b/w Puppet On A String...these are both really outstanding tunes...really well-crafted and very original in their way...

[@kchop720]

Wow thanks. I think the record says R Davies and ever since I was a kid I wondered if it was Ray Davies song lol.

[@jamestcallahanphotographer]

Love the 3 Dog Night cover of this song. When I first saw the songwriting credit on that record of “R. Davies,” I thought it was Ray Davies! Found out a while later it was Ron. Great songwriter.

[@jimeikner6597]

I am Hillcountry, this is outstanding.

[@e.p.-brohltal-eifel-rheinl9712]

Thanks!

[@bartlettohio]

Leon Russell on piano !

[@edified01]

That's great to know. Though no surprise. Cream rises to top. Leon gave me my first rock concert, at Atlanta auditorium, maybe around '71.

[@truethought62]

It's funny--Ron sounds quite a bit like Leon on this song, too.... his presence must have influenced a vocal turn of events there.!

[@jansoete1]

Mmmm... Lovely!

[@56bluegold]

Very Good !

[@juandemiguel7764]

Gran tema ! y muy buena versión.

[@MEMZ2012]

Perfect travelin' song

[@TheEots]

awesome

[@riversidepete6128]

i wish the rest of this album sounded more like this...love the bluesy vibe!

[@colinrice6865]

Was checking out the soundtrack for Go Ask Alice and I found this. Wow!

[@ianballantyne6892]

Bowie's cover of this brought me here, not surprisingly! Interesting to hear this though, at last!

[@gabe_ed]

Great song ♥

[@jayhimmelsbach7176]

I'm always amused when I see (hear) people say they didn't realize ANY singer (recording artist) had done a "cover version" of someone elses original song ... especially if they surprisingly include something like "after all these years". Almost all albums (CDs) will include songwriters credit ... usually directly underneath (or at the end of) the song's title. How do you miss that? Nobody should be surprised that David Bowie was covering Ron's original. • By the way, Ron recorded at least two versions of "It Ain't Easy". One on his "Silent Song Through the Land" - A&M album and the other one on his "U.F.O." - A&M album. Two completely different musical takes on that masterful tune by its masterful tunesmith. • Also, singer/songwriters usually want covers of their songs, as they make royalties off those covers. Traditionally songwriters would "shop" their songs in hopes of getting covers (royalties).

[@patriciareybaud2028]

oh-- so great

[@AshtonArcher]

Great to hear this original after all this time. I always thought Bowie sang "it ain't easy to get your head when you're going down"!

[@brownstone28]

The album should be on Spotify

[@ToppDuq]

Anybody remember this from the movie Go Ask Alice? Played during one of the druggy party scenes as I recall.

[@robertcasey7623]

More please......

[@josefkasperovich9924]

Ron was an amazing writer - respected by many great writers. He was a very good guitar player as well. Had a very distinctive way of playing. I found it difficult to follow unless he explained it.

[@ianwallace4032]

Must buy some...how did I miss him????

[@GOLDENFLYWARRIOR]

Wow.

[@tunesmith7437]

I think this song came out on a Sampler LP by A&M and he was one of the upcoming artists covered...LOVED IT THEN AND LOVE IT NOW...

[@dunnlanguage41]

So much better than the covers

[@stevevox4915]

This and Three Dog Night prob the best ones.

[@joaneskins6510]

Loved Baldry's rendition and I'm loving the original that I just discovered.

[@omeletpants]

Tedeshi Trucks did a cover of this which is fantastic

[@SynthGrooves]

Nice liked

[@markmcclellan8421]

this is both blues based folk and yes, very rock in the choruses. very Uhnph rock.

[@routeclarksdale]

and they say that you have to be black to sing so soulful ! bullshit, Ron just proved them wrong !

[@1022rebelreddog]

john prine on tribute album for ron davies 2013

[@andrewm665]

bad ass as ever

[@stevelane6919]

I wish I could buy a copy of this.

[@GOLDENFLYWARRIOR]

You might be able to locate the version of this song on the LP by John Baldry that was released the following year. Take a listen. Different popular singers did the song in their own style. Bowie was in 1972 with It Ain't Easy on his Ziggy Stardust LP. But John Baldry did his version the year before in 1971. It's HOT but I prefer Bowie's version. John Baldry had a great session of musicians on the LP. Lots of my favs still. Piano: Ian Armitt Unknown: Jimi Horowitz Vocals: John Baldry Female Vocals: Maggie Bell Drums: Mickie Bell Bass: Rikki Brown Producer: Rod Stewart Electric Guitar: Ron Wood Guitar: Sam Mitchell Writer: Ron Davies

[@RichStranger]

I have NEVER had "the DISTINCT" PLEASURE to LISTEN & ENJOY the "instrumental" INTRO to this "GEM"... Sorta; LIKE Mick Abrahams INTRO to BLODWYN PIG's "DEAR JILL" YA just GOTTA' CHECK IT OUT!!! IF YA' can't find IT...message ME!!!

[@holgerpetersen9918]

Dave Edmunds brought me here(After hearing his Version recently, I finally found out after 44 Years that this is not a David Bowie-Song!)!

[@owenmartin3307]

This is brilliant but there is something about bowies version, that draws you in, he made it his own.

[@TheMarcio2014]

Good.

[@HughTerry69]

Rather better and more Bluesy than Bowie's version, in my opinion.

[@stuartwray6175]

Bowie wasn't trying to be authentic.

[@HughTerry69]

@@stuartwray6175 Maybe not. His cover versions on Pin Ups are certainly a matter of taste..!

[@stuartwray6175]

@@HughTerry69 True, it's routinely overlooked, listened to selectively or scoffed at. Though some really enjoy it; I think Glenn Matlock and/or Steve Jones of the Sex Pistols have mentioned liking it.

[@rolflin]

Five Horse J it ain't easy Listen Five Horse Johnson cover. From Toledo

[@fulishproductions]

they are good people :)

[@TheGenreman]

I always thought it was a Bowie song

[@elainericketts8820]

it was Long John Baldry’s before it was Bowie's…………..

[@mumblesslam]

No, it was Ron Davies.' He wrote and performed it first. Then 3 Dog Night covered it, THEN Long John Baldry.

[@jessica5497]

Is a Bowie cover, says in the back of the album. A great cover

[@mrbenoit5018]

@@jessica5497 Ron Davies made it first and Bowie covered it

[@riversidepete6128]

check out three dog night's version on there album " it ain't easy"

[@ronaldlongendyke3313]

Strange, my UK copy of Ziggy Stardust states it as being "Roy Davies" on the label. I always thought it was a misprint and a Kinks cover, but could never find it by the Kinks. Now I know.

[@poffy8888]

Bowie's version bettre....! he made a class act of it.

[@calixa]

I found this LP for a dollar. turns out its pretty rare, any info on it?

[@deanmartin9199]

I always knew Bowie's version was a cover. It clearly shows the writer as Davies on the record label and sleeve. However, I had always assumed it was The Kinks' Ray Davies.

[@wilddogs65]

Mitch Ryder’s Detroit version is killer.

[@RobertObodzinskyJr]

But it's nice to see his influences ;)

[@barakpick]

this is better than bowie's version

[@kalerobertson5697]

But three dog night people.. the second harmonica break is literally mind bending. They also changed the words... and it’s better.

[@godseed2214]

He used to live across the street.

[@belladonnanightshade4219]

Long John Baldry did a good version. Really good., The Dead did a cover too, but i don't like it so much, personally. It's a great song, though.

[@edified01]

Of course Three Dog Night did a very workmanlike cover, though Ron's is best. Bettye LaVette is a darn close second.

[@Liboo52]

Reminds me of Cowboy Bebop

[@kalerobertson5697]

Woah first comment in 6 years

[@DavidCalyMayorGonzalez]

Starman brought me here

[@televinv8062]

Long John Baldry's version is killer too 👍

[@auroradelaparra6917]

☀️🌞☀️🌞☀️🌞☀️🌞☀️✨✨✨🌝

[@mattbrodsky8309]

Chris Smither’s cover of this song is in my opinion the best recorded version out there. Check it out!

[@djlexington1]

0 dislikes :)

[@aarongoff1111]

Like a dumb a*s I thought for the longest RAY Davies wrote this, and not Ron smh 🥺🙄

[@davidhackett1694]

Is that the unmistakably recognizable voice of bonnie bramlet singing backup?

[@thebadterrorists5323]

Not unmistakable presumably...

[@eduardorivera508]

Damn this one's WAY better than Bowie's take! such a heavy rock n roll sound!! UHMF!

[@fanzappa]

+Eduardo Rivera this is blues based folk, not rock and roll.

[@rezonthe]

Sounds like Adam Sandler's Cajun Man, but I do like it.

[@christopherbridges4368]

Has to be the only song recorded by both Three Dog Night & David Bowie 😅

[@frischeswiesel5167]

Oh....david bowie sang this song too...😊

[@aarongoff1111]

Three Dog Night has a good version of this song, too.

[@yrsoclvr2]

Here’s a cover by Mitch Ryder and the Detroit Wheels, which was the version I first heard and is still my favorite. kzbin.info/www/bejne/qJ26dnSnj7hkicU